Small Moments
The other day my daughter discovered the simple pleasure of running through a sprinkler on a hot day. Following my lead and giggling almost uncontrollably, she ran barefoot around the grass as water sprayed her face and soaked her clothes. She tripped over the hose, which made her laugh even more. Finally, she lost her steam and sat down to enjoy a popsicle. Life was good.
Our lives are lived in small moments — from running through a sprinkler to having lunch with a friend. Appreciating life’s unremarkable moments was the idea behind this month’s cover feature, a “Day in the Life” photo essay of activity on the University of San Francisco campus.
Tuesday, March 4 was by all accounts an unremarkable day on campus — no special events, just students, faculty, and staff going about their days. Beginning at dawn, three photographers fanned out across campus to chronicle typical moments in time. What they captured is beautiful in its normalcy.
As you’ll see in the photo essay, small moments are everywhere: A student wading knee-deep in a reflecting pool to counter the midday heat; Another student balancing on a tightrope strung between two trees on the quad, as seniors from the Fromm Institute look on curiously; A maintenance man taking on the vital role of refilling the dog poop bag dispensers; Chefs preparing an endless stream of burgers in anticipation of the lunch rush in Market Cafe; ROTC students ascending the Lone Mountain ramp during an early morning run; Students in University Center knitting blankets for the homeless; St. Ignatius Church illuminated at dusk.
Each of these moments — from the mundane to the odd — create the unique culture, vibrancy, and sense of community that is palpable on any given day at USF. As the old saying goes, it’s the small things in life that matter most. Take a moment to appreciate them. And next time you walk past a sprinkler on a summer day, don’t be afraid to get wet.
Angie Davis
Editor, USF Magazine
Share This Article
Email Comments